Prepare the devices.
Ensure your Android phone runs Android 9 or later (older versions cannot scan QR codes with the default camera).
Have the device you want to sign in on (e.g., PC or tablet) open at the website’s sign‑in page.
Display the QR code on the sign‑in device.
At the login page, enter your username if prompted and look for options like “Try another way” or “Use your passkey”.
Choose to sign in with a passkey; the page will display a QR code that needs to be scanned.
Open the scanner on your Android phone.
Launch your phone’s built‑in camera app and point it at the QR code. Most modern Android phones will recognize passkey QR codes automatically.
If the default camera doesn’t work, use the built‑in QR‑scanner (available in Quick Settings on some phones) or Google Lens. Google’s support notes that you can install Google Lens from the Play Store and grant camera permissions if necessary.
Ensure the screen showing the QR code is bright and position your phone about a foot away, then slowly move closer until the code is detected. Google recommends adjusting distance and brightness if the camera struggles to read the code.
Tap the notification banner.
When the QR code is recognized, a banner or pop‑up should appear on your phone. Tap this banner to begin passkey authentication.
Select and use your passkey.
The phone will show a prompt to “Use passkey” for the website. Select the appropriate passkey (if multiple are available) and confirm that you want to sign in with it.
You may need to verify your identity using your phone’s screen lock—fingerprint, face unlock, PIN or pattern.
Complete sign‑in.
Once you authenticate on your phone, the sign‑in on the original device should complete automatically. You are now logged in without entering a password.
Troubleshooting tips.
Camera won’t scan: Check that your phone runs Android 9 or higher and update if possible. Adjust brightness and distance as suggested above.
No QR scanner: Install Google Lens or another QR‑code scanning app and ensure it has camera permissions.
Want to avoid QR codes in future: After logging in, set up a passkey on your current device so you can authenticate directly without needing a second device.
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Scanning a Passkey QR Code with an Android Phone
Written by Nosa O
Updated this week